Collecting autographs is a time-honored avocation that has exploded in popularity in recent years, creating a new industry with millions of autographed items for sale online. Coveted signatures include those from presidents of the United States, Civil War officers, World War II heroes, classical music composers and baseball stars. It is estimated that 90 percent of historical autographs on the market today are forgeries. This book provides a definitive guide to signature authentication for experts and beginners alike. Numerous illustrations of genuine and forged signatures are included, from Ty Cobb to Isaac Newton to Abraham Lincoln to Neil Armstrong. Detailed descriptions of common forgeries are given, enabling collectors to make direct comparisons.

New and expanded edition that includes signatures studies of all hall of famers from the 19th century to the present day. Newly added studies of Shoeless Joe Jackson and the rest of the infamous black sox. Roger Maris, Gil Hodges, and the top 50 non hall of fame autographs are also explored in depth. Richly illustrated with nearly 1,000 examples of autographs and forgeries of the hall of famers and stars from yesteryear. Also found within is a new price guide examining values of various signed mediums. A market population grid of the rare and seldom seen signatures tops off the book. Collectors can compare signatures to the examples to determine the genuiness of autographs and assist them in the purchase of that cherished baseball treasure.